Golf Club Head

ABSTRACT

A golf club head includes a club head body having a striking face, a soleplate, a crown, a toe, a heel and a hosel shaped and dimensioned for receiving a shaft. The club head body includes a body shell composed of the striking face, soleplate, crown, toe and heel, wherein the body shell has a reduced mass allowing for greater weight manipulation within the club head body.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 11/509,706, entitled “GOLF CLUB HEAD AND GOLF CLUB SHAFT”,filed Aug. 25, 2006, which is currently pending, which claims thebenefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/710,875,entitled “GOLF CLUB HEAD”, filed Aug. 25, 2005.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

This invention relates to a golf club head. More particularly, theinvention relates to a golf club head composed of a transparent,lightweight material offering enhanced mass positioning within a golfclub head. The invention also relates to a golf club shaft offeringimproved performance and functionality.

2. Description of the Prior Art

Golf club manufacturers are consistently attempting to design golf clubsthat are easier to hit and offer golfers greater forgiveness when theball is not struck directly upon the sweet spot of the striking face. Asthose skilled in the art will certainly appreciate, many designs havebeen developed and proposed for assisting golfers in learning andmastering the very difficult game of golf.

Much of the focus of the golf club heads is on ways to shift the weightwithin the golf club head in a manner which improves the strikingcharacteristics of the club. As such, a need exists for an improved golfclub head which provides for greater versatility in shifting mass abouta golf club head in a manner improving the striking characteristics ofthe golf club head.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is, therefore, an object of the present invention to provide a metalwood type golf club head including a club head body having a strikingface with a loft of approximately 7 degrees to approximately 13 degrees,a soleplate, a crown, a toe, a heel and a hosel. The club head body hasa volume greater than 300 cc and a mass of approximately 180 g toapproximately 250 g. The club head body includes a body shell composedof the striking face, soleplate, crown, toe and heel. The body shell hasa mass of no more than approximately 150 g, wherein at least a portionof the body shell is composed of a carbon nanotube sheet comprising ayarn of carbon nanotubes.

It is also an object of the present invention to provide a metal woodtype golf club head wherein the yarn is composed of single wall carbonnanotubes.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a metal woodtype golf club head wherein the yarn is composed of multi-wall carbonnanotubes.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a metal woodtype golf club head wherein the yarn consists essentially of carbonnanotubes.

It is also an object of the present invention to provide a metal woodtype golf club head wherein the yarn includes carbon nanotubes and steelthread.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a metal woodtype golf club head wherein the carbon nanotube sheet has a density ofless than approximately 2.5 g/cm³ and tensile strength of at leastapproximately 465 MPa/(g/cm³).

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a metal woodtype golf club head wherein the striking face is composed of a carbonnanotube sheet.

It is also an object of the present invention to provide a metal woodtype golf club head wherein the crown is composed of a carbon nanotubesheet.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a metal woodtype golf club head wherein the soleplate is composed of a carbonnanotube sheet.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a metal woodtype golf club head including a club head body having a striking facewith a loft of approximately 13 degrees to approximately 24 degrees, asoleplate, a crown, a toe, a heel and a hosel. The club head body has avolume of approximately 100 cc to 250 cc and a mass of approximately 205g to approximately 245 g. The club head body includes a body shellcomposed of the striking face, soleplate, crown, toe and heel. The bodyshell has a mass of no more than 150 g, wherein at least a portion ofthe body shell is composed of a carbon nanotube sheet comprising yarn ofcarbon nanotubes.

It is also an object of the present invention to provide a hybrid typegolf club head including a club head body having a striking face, asoleplate, a crown, a toe, a heel and a hosel. The club head body has avolume of approximately 70 cc to 150 cc and a mass of approximately 210g to approximately 260 g. The club head body includes a body shellcomposed of the striking face, soleplate, crown, toe and heel. The bodyshell has a mass of no more than 150 g, wherein at least a portion ofthe body shell is composed of a carbon nanotube sheet comprising yarn ofcarbon nanotubes.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a hybrid typegolf club head wherein the yarn is composed of single wall carbonnanotubes.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a hybrid typegolf club head wherein the yarn is composed of multi-wall carbonnanotubes.

It is also an object of the present invention to provide a hybrid typegolf club head wherein the yarn consists essentially of carbonnanotubes.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a hybrid typegolf club head wherein the yarn includes carbon nanotubes and steelthread.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a hybrid typegolf club head wherein the carbon nanotube sheet has a density of lessthan approximately 2.5 g/cm³ and tensile strength of at leastapproximately 465 MPa/(g/cm³).

It is also an object of the present invention to provide a hybrid typegolf club head wherein the striking face is composed of a carbonnanotube sheet.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a hybrid typegolf club head wherein the crown is composed of a carbon nanotube sheet.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a hybrid typegolf club head wherein the soleplate is composed of a carbon nanotubesheet.

It is also an object of the present invention to provide an iron typegolf club head including a club head body having a striking face, asoleplate, a toe, a heel and a hosel. The club head body has a volume ofapproximately 70 cc to 230 cc and a mass of approximately 215 g toapproximately 310 g. The club head body includes a body shell composedof the striking face, soleplate, toe and heel, the body shell, whereinat least a portion of the body shell is composed of a carbon nanotubesheet comprising yarn of carbon nanotubes.

It is another object of the present invention to provide an iron typegolf club head wherein the yarn is composed of single wall carbonnanotubes.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide an iron typegolf club head wherein the yarn is composed of multi-wall carbonnanotubes.

It is also an object of the present invention to provide an iron typegolf club head wherein the yarn consists essentially of carbonnanotubes.

It is another object of the present invention to provide an iron typegolf club head wherein the yarn includes carbon nanotubes and steelthread.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide an iron typegolf club head wherein the entire body shell is composed of a carbonnanotube sheet.

It is also an object of the present invention to provide an iron typegolf club head wherein the striking face is composed of titanium orstainless steel and a remainder of the body shell is composed of acarbon nanotube sheet.

Other objects and advantages of the present invention will becomeapparent from the following detailed description when viewed inconjunction with the accompanying drawings, which set forth certainembodiments of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a bottom perspective view of a driver type golf club head inaccordance with the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a front plan view of the golf club head shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the golf club head along the linesIII-III in FIG. 2.

FIG. 4 is a front plan view of a driver type golf club head inaccordance with an alternate embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a front plan view of a driver type golf club head inaccordance with yet another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a front plan view of a driver type golf club head inaccordance with a further embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a bottom perspective view of a fairway wood type golf clubhead in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a front plan view of the golf club head shown in FIG. 7.

FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view along the lines IX-IX as shown in FIG.8.

FIG. 10 is a front plan view of a fairway wood type golf club head inaccordance with an alternate embodiment.

FIG. 11 is a front plan view of a fairway wood type golf club head inaccordance with still another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 12 is a front plan view of a fairway wood type golf club head inaccordance with still another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 13 is a bottom perspective view of a hybrid type golf club head inaccordance with the present invention.

FIG. 14 is a front plan view of the golf club head shown in FIG. 13.

FIG. 15 is a cross sectional view along the lines XV-XV in FIG. 14.

FIG. 16 is a front plan view of a hybrid type golf club head inaccordance with an alternate embodiment.

FIG. 17 is a front plan view of a hybrid type golf club head inaccordance with another embodiment.

FIG. 18 is a front plan view of a hybrid type golf club head inaccordance with still another embodiment.

FIG. 19 is a rear perspective view of an iron type golf club head inaccordance with the present invention.

FIG. 20 is a cross-sectional view of the iron type golf club head shownin FIG. 19.

FIG. 21 is an alternated embodiment of an iron type golf club head.

FIG. 22 is a cross-sectional view of the iron type golf club head shownin FIG. 21.

FIG. 23 is a rear perspective view of an iron type golf club head inaccordance with an alternate embodiment.

FIG. 24 is a cross-sectional view of the iron type golf club head shownFIG. 23.

FIG. 25 is a rear perspective view of a putter type golf club head.

FIG. 26 is a front plan view of the putter type golf club head shown inFIG. 25.

FIG. 27 is a rear perspective view of a putter type golf club head.

FIG. 28 is a front plan view of the putter type golf club head shown inFIG. 27.

FIGS. 29 and 30 are side views of golf club shafts in accordance withthe present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The detailed embodiments of the present invention are disclosed herein.It should be understood, however, that the disclosed embodiments aremerely exemplary of the invention, which may be embodied in variousforms. Therefore, the details disclosed herein are not to be interpretedas limiting, but as a basis for the claims and for teaching one skilledin the art how to make and/or use the invention.

With reference to FIGS. 1, 2 and 3, a golf club head is shown. The golfclub head 10 includes a club head body 11. The club head body 11includes a striking face 12, a soleplate 14, a crown 16, a toe 18, aheel 20, a skirt 21, or other structure, used in connecting the crown 16to the soleplate 14, and a hosel 22 to which a golf club shaft 24 issecured, as well as any weight member(s) 28 which might be incorporatedinto the club head body 11. The club head body 11 includes a body shell26 composed of the striking face 12, soleplate 14, crown 16, toe 18,heel 20 and skirt 21. That is, the body shell 26 may generally beconsidered the structure used in striking a golf ball and, as will bediscussed below in greater detail, may have various weighting member(s)28 secured thereto in an effort to optimize the striking characteristicsof the golf club head 10. While the present metal wood type golf clubhead, and those which follow, are disclosed as including a skirt, thoseskilled in the art will appreciate that the club heads constructedwithout a skirt will still be considered to fall within the spirit ofthe present invention.

In accordance with a preferred embodiment, the golf club head 10 is thatof a metal wood type driver, that is, a metal wood driver type golf clubhead having a striking face 12 with a loft of approximately 7 degrees toapproximately 13 degrees. The golf club head 10, and in particular, theclub head body 11, has a volume of at least approximately 300 cc and,considering current weight standards applied to golf club heads, has amass of approximately 180 g to approximately 250 g, preferablyapproximately 180 g to approximately 220 g, and preferably approximately200 g.

Although a driver type golf club head is disclosed herein in accordancewith a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the conceptsunderlying the present invention may be applied to a variety of golfclub head types, for example, fairway woods, hybrids, irons, etc.,without departing from the spirit of the present invention. As discussedbelow in detail, when these various golf club head types are employed inthe spirit of the present invention, the volume and weighting of thesegolf club heads are varied to suit their differing constructions and themanner in which the weight distribution is manipulated is similar.

In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, atleast a portion of the body shell 26 is composed of a transparent wovensheet composed of a yarn made from minute carbon nanotubes. Thenanotubes are tiny carbon tubes, too small to see with the naked eye,and are woven into an aerogel sheet of a predetermined size which thenmay be formed into a yarn used in the manufacture of golf club heads inaccordance with the present invention.

In accordance with a first embodiment, the yarn is solely composed ofcarbon nanotubes. The carbon nanotubes are preferably either singlewalled nanotubes or multi-walled nanotubes. However, and in accordancewith a second embodiment, the yarn is composed of carbon nanotubescombined with other materials, for example, steel threads. The carbonnanotubes and steel threads are combined in the formation of a yarn tocreate a hybrid yarn offering the resulting club head the benefits ofboth the carbon nanotubes and the other material, for example, steelthread.

In accordance with a preferred embodiment, the yarn is woven to producea densified, highly oriented carbon nanotube sheet material (forexample, a fabric) exhibiting desirable characteristics for use in themanufacture of golf club heads. This carbon nanotube sheet materialpreferably has a thickness of 50 nm and a density of 0.5 g/cm³. Inaccordance with a preferred embodiment, the carbon nanotube sheetmaterial offers a density of less than approximately 2.5 g/cm³,preferably less than approximately 2.0 g/cm³, and a tensile strength ofat least approximately 465 MPa/(g/cm³). Specifics regarding themanufacture and composition of the transparent carbon nanotube sheetmaterial are disclosed by Mei et al. in Science Magazine. Mei Zhang,Shaoli Fang, Anvar A. Zakhidov, Sergey B. Lee, Ali E. Aliev, ChristopherD. Williams, Ken R. Atkinson, and Ray H. Baughman, “Strong, Transparent,Multifunctional, Carbon Nanotube Sheets”, Science 19 Aug. 2005;309:1215-1219, which is incorporated herein by reference. Additionalinformation concerning carbon nanotube fabrication is disclosed in U.S.Patent Application Publication Nos. 2002/0113335 to Lobovsky et al.,entitled “Spinning, Processing, and Applications of Carbon NanotubeFilaments, Ribbons and Yarns”, 2003/0165648 to Lobovsky et al., entitled“Composite Material Comprising Oriented Carbon Nanotubes in a CarbonMatrix and Process for Preparing Same”, 2004/0096389 to Lobovsky et al.,entitled “Spinning, Processing, and Applications of Carbon NanotubeFilaments, Ribbons and Yarns”, and 2005/0074569 to Lobovsky et al.,entitled “Composite Material Comprising Oriented Carbon Nanotubes in aCarbon Matrix and Process for Preparing Same”, which are alsoincorporated herein by reference.

As those skilled in the art will certainly appreciate, the carbonnanotube sheet material is a strong and lightweight material. With thisin mind, use of the carbon nanotube sheet material offers a greatreduction in the weight of the golf club head without sacrificingstrength. Although carbon nanotube sheet material is disclosed for usein accordance with various embodiments disclosed herein, those skilledin the art will appreciate other materials offering similar weight andstrength characteristics may be employed without departing from thespirit of the present invention.

Implementation of the carbon nanotube sheet material reduces the mass ofthe body shell 26 to approximately no more than 150 g. Since the bodyshell 26 has a mass of no more than 150 g, weight member(s) 28 areattached to the body shell 26 in a manner bringing the golf club head 10up to a mass commensurate with that of a conventional metal wood drivertype golf club head. As such, at least approximately 30 g to 100 g ofweight member(s) 28 are available for selective positioning within (orto the outer surface of) the club head body 11 in a manner optimizingthe golf club head 10 for specific golf swings.

As those skilled in the art will certainly appreciate, the extra weightmember(s) 28 may be positioned at a variety of locations depending uponthe swing characteristics of the golfer. For example, the majority ofthe weight member(s) 28 could be placed on the center of the soleplate14 to pull the center of gravity as low as possible or they could bepositioned around the outer skirt of the golf club head to maximize themoment of inertia. One could also position the weight member(s) on thesoleplate, but position it all the way back to increase launch anglewhile keeping the backspin relatively low (High Launch/Low Spin) orposition it all the way forward to control launch angle, lower spin andalso lower the amount of gear effect spin caused by off-center hits.

As mentioned above, at least a portion of the body shell 26 is composedof the carbon nanotube sheet material described above. In accordancewith a preferred embodiment of the present invention as shown in FIGS. 1to 3, the crown 16 is composed of the carbon nanotube sheet materialwhile the remainder of the body shell 26 of the golf club head 10 iscomposed of a metal, for example, a titanium alloy (although thoseskilled in the art will appreciate that a variety of materials may beused without departing from the spirit of the invention). Similarly, thestriking face, soleplate, toe, heel and/or hosel, or combinationsthereof, may be formed from the carbon nanotube sheet material. Forexample, and with reference to FIG. 4, it is contemplated, the soleplate114 might be manufactured from the carbon nanotube sheet material in aneffort to provide for enhanced club head strength, while the strikingface 112, crown 116, toe 118, heel 120 and skirt 121 are composed oftraditional golf club head materials. Similarly, the carbon nanotubesheet material might be incorporated into an insert for the strikingface 212 (see FIG. 5), while the soleplate 214, crown 216, toe 218, heel220 and skirt 221 are composed of traditional golf club head materials.While a body shell partially composed of the carbon nanotube sheetmaterial is disclosed above, it is further contemplated the entire bodyshell 326, that is, the striking face 312, soleplate 314, crown 316, toe318, heel 320 and skirt 321 may be composed of the carbon nanotube sheetmaterial described above (see FIG. 6).

By exposing the interior of the club head body, one may view theinternal structure thereof. As such, it is contemplated the golf clubhead may be provided with an internal adjustment structure which a usercan view as he or she adjusts working components of the golf club head.For example, the implementation of a transparent carbon nanotube sheetmaterial body shell allows for the possibility of a weight adjustmentsystem that requires internal viewing for verification of proper weightpositioning or support structure adjustment which similarly requiresinternal viewing for verification of the proper weight position.

Similarly, the golf club head might be provided with an internalindicator providing golfers with an impression indicative of where onthe striking face the prior ball was struck. Such an internal indicatoris secured along the rear surface of the striking face and one may lookthrough the transparent crown to view the impression provided by theindicator.

In addition to use of the present invention in the construction ofdriver type golf club heads, the concepts underlying the presentinvention may similarly be applied to fairway wood type golf club heads410, that is, metal wood type golf club heads having a striking face 412with a loft of approximately 13 degrees to approximately 24 degrees.Referring to FIGS. 7, 8 and 9, and as with the driver type golf clubhead embodiment, the golf club head 410 includes a club head body 411composed of a striking face 412, a soleplate 414, a crown 416, a toe418, a heel 420, a skirt 421, or other structure, used in connecting thecrown 416 to the soleplate 414, and a hosel 422 to which a golf clubshaft 424 is secured, as well as any weight member(s) 428 which might beincorporated into the club head body 411. The club head body 411includes a body shell 426 composed of the striking face 412, soleplate414, crown 416, toe 418, heel 420 and skirt 421. That is, the body shell426 may generally be considered the structure used in striking a golfball and, as will be discussed below in greater detail, may have variousweighting member(s) 428 secured thereto in an effort to optimize thestriking characteristics of the golf club head 410.

In accordance with a preferred embodiment, the fairway wood type golfclub head 410, in particular, the club head body 411, has a volume ofapproximately 100 cc to approximately 250 cc, and a mass ofapproximately 205 g to approximately 245 g. As with the driver type golfclub head discussed above, at least a portion of the body shell 426 iscomposed of the carbon nanotube sheet material.

Implementation of the carbon nanotube sheet material reduces the mass ofthe body shell 426 to approximately no more than 150 g. Since the bodyshell 426 has a mass of no more than 150 g, weight member(s) 428 areattached to the body shell 426 in a manner bringing the golf club head410 up to a mass commensurate with that of a conventional metal woodfairway type golf club head. As such, at least approximately 55 g to 95g of weight member(s) 428 are available for selective positioning within(or to the outer surface of) the club head body 411 in a manneroptimizing the golf club head 410 for specific golf swings.

As those skilled in the art will certainly appreciate, the extra weightmember(s) 428 may be positioned at a variety of locations depending uponthe swing characteristics of the golfer. For example, the majority ofthe weight member(s) 428 could be placed on the center of the soleplate414 to pull the center of gravity as low as possible or they could bepositioned around the outer skirt of the golf club head to maximize themoment of inertia. One could also position the weight member(s) on thesoleplate, but position it all the way back to increase launch anglewhile keeping the backspin relatively low (High Launch/Low Spin) orposition it all the way forward to control launch angle, lower spin andalso lower the amount of gear effect spin caused by off-center hits.

As with the driver type golf club head embodiment, at least a portion ofthe body shell 426 is composed of the carbon nanotube sheet materialdescribed above. In accordance with a preferred embodiment of thepresent invention as shown in FIGS. 7 to 9, the crown 416 is composed ofthe carbon nanotube sheet material while the remainder of the body shell426 of the golf club head 410 is composed of a metal, for example, atitanium alloy (although those skilled in the art will appreciate that avariety of materials may be used without departing from the spirit ofthe invention). Similarly, the striking face, soleplate, toe, heeland/or hosel, or combinations thereof, may be formed from thetransparent material. For example, and with reference to FIG. 10, it iscontemplated, the soleplate 514 might be manufactured from the carbonnanotube sheet material in an effort to provide for enhanced club headstrength, while the striking face 512, crown 516, toe 518, heel 520 andskirt 521 are composed of traditional golf club head materials.Similarly, the carbon nanotube sheet material might be incorporated intoan insert for the striking face 612 (see FIG. 11), while the soleplate614, crown 616, toe 618, heel 620 and skirt 621 are composed oftraditional golf club head materials. While a body shell partiallycomposed of the carbon nanotube sheet material is disclosed above, it isfurther contemplated the entire body shell 726, that is, the strikingface 712, soleplate 714, crown 716, toe 718, heel 720 and skirt 721 maybe composed of the carbon nanotube sheet material described above (seeFIG. 12).

The concepts underlying the present invention may similarly be appliedto hybrid, or I-wood, type golf club heads 810 as shown in FIGS. 13, 14and 15. The golf club head 810 includes a club head body 811 having astriking face 812, a soleplate 814, a crown 816, a toe 818, a heel 820,a skirt 821, or other structure, used in connecting the crown 816 to thesoleplate 814, and a hosel 822 to which a golf club shaft 824 issecured, as well as any weight member(s) 828 which might be incorporatedinto the club head body 811. The club head body 811 includes a bodyshell 826 composed of the striking face 812, soleplate 814, crown 816,toe 818, heel 820 and skirt 821. That is, the body shell 826 maygenerally be considered the structure used in striking a golf ball and,as will be discussed below in greater detail, may have various weightingmember(s) 828 secured thereto in an effort to optimize the strikingcharacteristics of the golf club head 810.

In accordance with a preferred embodiment, the hybrid golf club head810, in particular, the club head body 811, has a volume ofapproximately 70 cc to approximately 150 cc, and a mass of approximately210 g to approximately 260 g. As with the driver type golf club headdiscussed above, at least a portion of the body shell 826 is composed ofthe carbon nanotube sheet material.

Implementation of the carbon nanotube sheet material reduces the mass ofthe body shell 826 to approximately no more than 150 g. Since the bodyshell 826 has a mass of no more than 150 g, weight member(s) 828 areattached to the body shell 826 in a manner bringing the golf club head810 up to a mass commensurate with that of a conventional hybrid typegolf club head. As such, at least approximately 60 g to 110 g of weightmember(s) 828 are available for selective positioning within (or to theouter surface of) the golf club head 810 in a manner optimizing the golfclub head 810 for specific golf swings.

As those skilled in the art will certainly appreciate, the extra weightmember(s) may be positioned at a variety of locations depending upon theswing characteristics of the golfer. For example, the majority of theweight member(s) 828 could be placed on the center of the soleplate 814to pull the center of gravity as low as possible or they could bepositioned around the outer skirt of the golf club head to maximize themoment of inertia. One could also position the weight member(s) on thesoleplate, but position it all the way back to increase launch anglewhile keeping the backspin relatively low (High Launch/Low Spin) orposition it all the way forward to control launch angle, lower spin andalso lower the amount of gear effect spin caused by off-center hits.

As with the driver type golf club head embodiment, at least a portion ofthe body shell 826 is composed of the carbon nanotube sheet materialdescribed above. In accordance with a preferred embodiment of thepresent invention as shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the crown 816 is composed ofthe carbon nanotube sheet material while the remainder of the body shell826 is composed of a metal, for example, a titanium alloy (althoughthose skilled in the art will appreciate that a variety of materials maybe used without departing from the spirit of the invention). Similarly,the striking face, soleplate, toe, and/or heel, or combinations thereof,may be formed from the carbon nanotube sheet material. For example, andwith reference to FIG. 16, it is contemplated, the soleplate 914 mightbe manufactured from the carbon nanotube sheet material in an effort toprovide for enhanced golf club head strength, while the striking face912, crown 916, toe 918, heel 920 and skirt 921 are composed oftraditional golf club head materials. Similarly, the carbon nanotubesheet material might be incorporated into an insert for the strikingface 1012 (see FIG. 17), while the soleplate 1014, crown 1016, toe 1018,heel 1020 and skirt 1021 are composed of traditional golf club headmaterials. While a body shell partially composed of the carbon nanotubesheet material is disclosed above, it is further contemplated the entirebody shell 1126, that is, the striking face 1112, soleplate 1114, crown1116, toe 1118, heel 1120 and skirt 1121 may be composed of the carbonnanotube sheet material described above (see FIG. 18).

In addition to utilization of the transparent carbon nanotube sheetmaterial in the manufacture of metal wood type golf club heads, and withreference to FIGS. 19 and 20, the carbon nanotube sheet materialdescribed above is also utilized in the manufacture of iron type golfclub heads 1210, for example, a cavity back golf club head. Inparticular, the iron type golf club head 1210 includes a club head body1211 having a striking face 1212, soleplate 1214, toe 1216, heel 1218,rear cavity border 1222, and hosel 1220 shaped and dimensioned forreceiving a golf club shaft, as well as any weight member(s) 1228 whichmight be incorporated into the club head body 1211. The club head body1211 includes body shell 1226 composed of the striking face 1212,soleplate 1214, toe 1216 and heel 1218 and rear cavity border 1220. Thatis, the body shell 1226 may generally be considered the structure usedin striking a golf ball and, as will be discussed below in greaterdetail, may have various weighting member(s) 1228 secured thereto in aneffort to optimize the striking characteristics of the golf club. Inaccordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, theentire iron club head shell 1226 is manufactured from the carbonnanotube sheet material and provides a substantially see-through golfclub head 1210 previously unknown in the prior art.

The golf club head 1210, in particular, the club head body 1211, is thatof an iron type golf club head and has a volume ranging fromapproximately 70 cc to approximately 230 cc, and mass of approximately215 g to approximately 310 g. As those skilled in the art willappreciate, the volume and mass of iron type golf club heads varysubstantially depending upon the specific iron being used. For example,a 3 iron might have a mass of up to approximately 215 g, while a sandwedge will have a mass up to approximately 310 g.

In accordance with this embodiment, the entire body shell 1226 iscomposed of the carbon nanotube sheet material. Because the carbonnanotube sheet material is a lightweight material, a great reduction inthe mass is achieved without sacrificing strength. Although use ofcarbon nanotube sheet material is disclosed in accordance with apreferred embodiment of the present invention, other materials offeringsimilar mass and strength characteristics may be employed withoutdeparting from the spirit of the present invention.

Since the mass of the body shell 1226 is substantially reduced, theweight reduction may be applied to other portions of the golf club head1210 in an effort to improve the striking characteristics of the golfclub head 1210. For example, long irons (for example, the 3-iron to the6-iron) take advantage of the weight reduction by adding this weight tothe lower portion of the rear cavity border in an effort to further helpindividuals get the ball into the air when using these clubs. Similarly,short irons (for example, the 7-iron to the sand wedge) take advantageof the weight reduction by adding this weight to the upper portion ofthe rear cavity border in an effort to further control the trajectory ofa ball being struck by these clubs. Although a specific redistributionis contemplated in accordance with a preferred embodiment, those skilledin the art will certainly appreciate, the extra weight member(s) may bepositioned at a variety of locations depending upon the swingcharacteristics of the golfer.

In particular, implementation of the carbon nanotube sheet material inaccordance with the present embodiment reduces the mass of a traditionalstainless steel golf club head body by at least approximately 150.5g-217 g. That is, the body shell 1226 would have a mass of approximately64.5 g to approximately 93 g with the extra 150.5 g-217 g available forrestribution within the club head 1210 via weight member(s) 1228. Thisweight may be redistributed to enhance the striking characteristics asdiscussed above, bringing the golf club head 1210 up to a weightcommensurate with that of a conventional iron type golf club head.

In accordance with an alternate embodiment of the present invention, andwith reference to FIGS. 21 and 22, the rear cavity border 1322 of thegolf club head 1310 is manufactured from the carbon nanotube sheetmaterial, while the remainder of the body shell 1326 of the club headbody 1311 is manufactured from traditional materials. This would providegolfers with the look of a blade type iron with the actual body of acavity back golf club head. As those skilled in the art will certainlyappreciate, this would result in less weight savings in the body shell.

With reference to yet a further embodiment of an iron type golf clubhead in accordance with the spirit of the present invention as disclosedin FIGS. 23 and 24, the iron golf club head 1410 includes a club headbody 1411 having a striking face 1412, soleplate 1414, toe 1416, heel1418, rear cavity border 1422, and a hosel 1420 shaped and dimensionedfor receiving a golf club shaft, as well as any weight member(s) 1428which might be incorporated into the club head body 1411. The club headbody 1411 includes body shell 1426 composed of the striking face 1412,soleplate 1414, toe 1416 and heel 1418 and rear cavity border 1420. Thatis, the body shell 1426 may generally be considered the structure usedin striking a golf ball and, as will be discussed below in greaterdetail, may have various weighting member(s) 1428 secured thereto in aneffort to optimize the striking characteristics of the golf club.

As mentioned above, the golf club head 1410, in particular, the clubhead body 1411, is that of an iron type golf club head and has a volumeranging from approximately 70 cc to approximately 230 cc, and mass ofapproximately 215 g to approximately 310 g. As those skilled in the artwill appreciate, the volume and mass of iron type golf club heads varysubstantially depending upon the specific iron being used. For example,a 3-iron might have a mass of up to approximately 215 g, while a sandwedge will have a mass up to approximately 310 g.

In accordance with this embodiment, the striking face 1412 is composedof the carbon nanotube sheet material and the remainder of the bodyshell 1426 is composed of traditional golf club head materials (forexample, titanium or stainless steel). Because the carbon nanotube sheetmaterial from which the striking face 1412 is composed is a lightweightmaterial, a great reduction in the mass is achieved without sacrificingstrength. Although carbon nanotube sheet material is disclosed inaccordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, othermaterials offering similar mass and strength characteristics may beemployed without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

Since the mass of the striking face 1412 is substantially reduced, theweight reduction may be applied to other portions of the golf club head1410 in an effort to improve the striking characteristics of the golfclub head 1410. For example, long irons (for example, the 3-iron to the6-iron) take advantage of the weight reduction in the striking face byadding this weight to the lower portion of the rear cavity border in aneffort to further help individuals get the ball into the air when usingthese clubs. Similarly, short irons (for example, the 7-iron to the sandwedge) take advantage of the weight reduction in the striking face byadding this weight to the upper portion of the rear cavity border in aneffort to further control the trajectory of a ball being struck by theseclubs. Although a specific redistribution is contemplated in accordancewith a preferred embodiment, those skilled in the art will certainlyappreciate, the extra weight member(s) may be positioned at a variety oflocations depending upon the swing characteristics of the golfer.

In particular, implementation of the carbon nanotube sheet materialsheet reduces the mass of a traditional stainless steel striking face byat least approximately 20 g. That is, the body shell 1426 would have amass of approximately 195 g to approximately 290 g with the extra 20 gavailable for restribution within the club head 1410 via weightmember(s) 1428. This weight may be redistributed to enhance the strikingcharacteristics as discussed above, bringing the golf club head 1410 upto a weight commensurate with that of a conventional iron type golf clubhead.

While three embodiments for an iron type golf club head are presentedabove, those skilled in the art will appreciate the carbon nanotubesheet material may be used in other combinations to create a desiredlook and feel to the golf club head. For example, the carbon nanotubesheet material might be incorporated into an insert for the strikingface or the soleplate might be formed of the carbon nanotube sheetmaterial.

Referring to FIGS. 25 and 26, it is further contemplated the carbonnanotube sheet material may be utilized in the manufacture of a puttertype club head 1510. In particular, the putter type club head 1510includes a putter club head body 1511 having a striking face 1512, asoleplate 1514, a toe 1516, a heel 1518, a fear cavity border 1522, anda hosel 1520 shaped and dimensioned for receiving a golf club shaft, aswell as any weight members (not shown) which might be incorporated intothe putter type club head body 11. The putter club head body 1511includes a body shell 1526 composed of the striking face 1512, soleplate1514, toe 1516, heel 1518, hosel 1520 and rear cavity border 1522. Aswith the prior embodiments, and with reference to FIGS. 25 and 26, theputter type club head 1510 may be manufactured entirely from the carbonnanotube sheet material.

However, and with reference to FIGS. 27 and 28, the carbon nanotubesheet material may be combined with traditional putter materials so asto improve the aesthetic appearance of the putter type club head 1610and enhance the functionality thereof. For example, the striking face1612 may be provided with an insert 1614 composed of the carbon nanotubesheet material. The insert 1614 would allow the user to more accuratelyalign the striking face 1612 with the ball through the provision ofalignment markings 1616 formed for viewing through the carbon nanotubesheet material which, as discussed above, is transparent.

As those skilled in the art will certainly appreciate, a variety ofembodiments for golf club head constructions are disclosed above withinthe spirit of the present invention. As those skilled in the art willalso appreciate, the various components make up these golf club headsmay be assembled using conventional club manufacturing techniques, assuch, the may be integrally molded or coupled together via adhesives,welding, brazing, etc.

In addition to utilization of the carbon nanotube sheet materialdescribed above in the manufacture of golf club heads, the carbonnanotube sheet material may also be utilized in the construction of golfclub shafts for supporting the golf club head. It is contemplated theshafts may be formed partially from the carbon nanotube sheet material,for example, adjacent the butt end, distal end or central portion, orthe entire shaft may be constructed of the carbon nanotube sheetmaterial.

Because of the weight reduction through the implementation of the carbonnanotube sheet material into the construction of the golf club shaft,tremendous weight manipulation is possible. In fact, the carbon nanotubesheet material is very strong, light and transparent, so weight andstrength may be moved to wherever a designer deems necessary. Inaddition, because the carbon nanotube sheet material is transparent, theweight or strength mechanisms inside the shaft may be made visible.

For example, where a steel shaft might weigh 100 grams, a shaftincorporating carbon nanotube sheet material as discussed above mightweigh 30 grams, leaving approximately 70 grams to move around the shaftin creating desired effects.

In accordance with a preferred embodiment, and with reference to FIG.29, the shaft 1710 includes a shaft body 1712 constructed entirely fromcarbon nanotube sheet material. The shaft body 1712 is constructed withsimilar shape and dimensions as conventional steel and/or graphiteshafts. However, and considering the fact the shaft body 1712 istransparent, a visible weight 1714 is placed within the shaft body 1712at a location adjacent the connection point for the hosel 1716 and theshaft 1710. The weight 1714 is colored and visible through the shaftbody 1712. Because the weight 1714 is readily visible, and in accordancewith a preferred embodiment, different weights are used for differentflex and swing characteristics. The different weights 1714 are,therefore, color coded to provide the golfer with a ready visualindicator as to the weight used and, therefore, specific swing and flexcharacteristics offered by the shaft 1710.

Similarly, and in accordance with an alternate embodiment of the presentinvention as shown in FIG. 30, the weight 1814 may be positionedadjacent the kick point (or flex point) 1820 of the shaft 1810 andcolor-coded for swing speeds. As those skilled in the art willappreciate, the kick point is the point at which the shaft bend isgreatest as it is swung. A shaft with a lower kick point generallyresults in a higher trajectory as a result of the greater flexibilitynearer the golf club head, while a higher kick makes the shaft feelstiffer and commonly results in a lower ball trajectory.

More particularly, and with reference to FIG. 30, the shaft 1810includes a shaft body 1812 constructed entirely from carbon nanotubesheet material. The shaft body 1812 is constructed with similar shapeand dimensions as conventional steel and/or graphite shafts. However,and considering the fact the shaft body 1812 is transparent, a visibleweight 1814 is placed within the shaft body 1812 at a location adjacentthe kick point 1820 of the shaft 1810. The weight 1814 is colored andvisible through the shaft body 1812. Because the weight 1814 is readilyvisible, and in accordance with a preferred embodiment, differentweights are used for different flex and swing characteristics. Thedifferent weights 1814 are, therefore, color coded to provide the golferwith a ready visual indicator as to the weight 1814 used and, therefore,specific swing and flex characteristics offered by the shaft 1810.

In view of the great strength characteristics offered by the carbonnanotube sheet material, it is contemplated the shafts and heads may beconfigured to provide for a releasable connection system allowing forselective connection of various golf club heads with a shaft.

While the preferred embodiments have been shown and described, it willbe understood that there is no intent to limit the invention by suchdisclosure, but rather, is intended to cover all modifications andalternate constructions falling within the spirit and scope of theinvention.

1. A metal wood type golf club head, comprising: a club head bodyincluding a striking face having a loft of approximately 7 degrees toapproximately 13 degrees, a soleplate, a crown, a toe, a heel and ahosel, the club head body having a volume greater than 300 cc and a massof approximately 180 g to approximately 250 g; the club head bodyincludes a body shell composed of the striking face, soleplate, crown,toe and heel, the body shell has a mass of no more than approximately150 g, wherein at least a portion of the body shell is composed of acarbon nanotube sheet comprising a yarn of carbon nanotubes.
 2. Themetal wood type golf club head according to claim 1, wherein the yarn iscomposed of single wall carbon nanotubes.
 3. The metal wood type golfclub head according to claim 1, wherein the yarn is composed ofmulti-wall carbon nanotubes.
 4. The metal wood type golf club headaccording to claim 1, wherein the yarn consists essentially of carbonnanotubes.
 5. The metal wood type golf club head according to claim 1,wherein the yarn includes carbon nanotubes and steel thread.
 6. Themetal wood type golf club head according to claim 1, wherein the carbonnanotube sheet has a density of less than approximately 2.5 g/cm³ andtensile strength of at least approximately 465 MPa/(g/cm³).
 7. The metalwood type golf club head according to claim 1, wherein the striking faceis composed of a carbon nanotube sheet.
 8. The metal wood type golf clubhead according to claim 1, wherein the crown is composed of a carbonnanotube sheet.
 9. The metal wood type golf club head according to claim1, wherein the soleplate is composed of a carbon nanotube sheet.
 10. Ametal wood type golf club head, comprising: a club head body including astriking face having a loft of approximately 13 degrees to approximately24 degrees, a soleplate, a crown, a toe, a heel and a hosel, the clubhead body having a volume of approximately 100 cc to 250 cc and a massof approximately 205 g to approximately 245 g; the club head bodyincludes a body shell composed of the striking face, soleplate, crown,toe and heel, the body shell has a mass of no more than 150 g, whereinat least a portion of the body shell is composed of a carbon nanotubesheet comprising a yarn of carbon nanotubes.
 11. The metal wood typegolf club head according to claim 10, wherein the yarn is composed ofsingle wall carbon nanotubes.
 12. The metal wood type golf club headaccording to claim 10, wherein the yarn is composed of multi-wall carbonnanotubes.
 13. The metal wood type golf club head according to claim 10,wherein the yarn consists essentially of carbon nanotubes.
 14. The metalwood type golf club head according to claim 10, wherein the yarnincludes carbon nanotubes and steel thread.
 15. The metal wood type golfclub head according to claim 10, wherein the carbon nanotubes sheet hasa density of less than approximately 2.5 g/cm³ and tensile strength ofat least approximately 465 MPa/(g/cm³).
 16. The metal wood type golfclub head according to claim 10, wherein the striking face is composedof a carbon nanotube sheet.
 17. The metal wood type golf club headaccording to claim 10, wherein the crown is composed of a carbonnanotube sheet.
 18. The metal wood type golf club head according toclaim 10, wherein the soleplate is composed of a carbon nanotube sheet.19. A hybrid type golf club head, comprising: a club head body includinga striking face, a soleplate, a crown, a toe, a heel and a hosel, theclub head body having a volume of approximately 70 cc to 150 cc and amass of approximately 210 g to approximately 260 g; the club head bodyincludes a body shell composed of the striking face, soleplate, crown,toe and heel, the body shell has a mass of no more than 150 g, whereinat least a portion of the body shell is composed of a carbon nanotubesheet comprising yarn of carbon nanotubes.
 20. The hybrid type golf clubhead according to claim 19, wherein the yarn is composed of single wallcarbon nanotubes.
 21. The hybrid type golf club head according to claim19, wherein the yarn is composed of multi-wall carbon nanotubes.
 22. Thehybrid type golf club head according to claim 19, wherein the yarnconsists essentially of carbon nanotubes.
 23. The hybrid type golf clubhead according to claim 19, wherein the yarn includes carbon nanotubesand steel thread.
 24. The hybrid type golf club head according to claim19, wherein the carbon nanotube sheet has a density of less thanapproximately 2.5 g/cm³ and tensile strength of at least approximately465 MPa/(g/cm³).
 25. The hybrid type golf club head according to claim19, wherein the striking face is composed of a carbon nanotube sheet.26. The hybrid type golf club head according to claim 19, wherein thecrown is composed of a carbon nanotube sheet.
 27. The hybrid type golfclub head according to claim 19, wherein the soleplate is composed of acarbon nanotube sheet.
 28. An iron type golf club head, comprising: aclub head body including a striking face, a soleplate, a toe, a heel anda hosel, the club head body having a volume of approximately 70 cc to230 cc and a mass of approximately 215 g to approximately 310 g; theclub head body includes a body shell composed of the striking face,soleplate, toe and heel, the body shell, wherein at least a portion ofthe body shell is composed of a carbon nanotube sheet comprising a yarnof carbon nanotubes.
 29. The iron type golf club head according to claim28, wherein the yarn is composed of single wall carbon nanotubes. 30.The iron type golf club head according to claim 28, wherein the yarn iscomposed of multi-wall carbon nanotubes.
 31. The iron type golf clubhead according to claim 28, wherein the yarn consists essentially ofcarbon nanotubes.
 32. The iron type golf club head according to claim28, wherein the yarn includes carbon nanotubes and steel thread.
 33. Theiron type golf club head according to claim 28, wherein the entire bodyshell is composed of a carbon nanotube sheet.
 34. The iron type golfclub head according to claim 28, wherein the striking face is composedof titanium or stainless steel and a remainder of the body shell iscomposed of a carbon nanotube sheet.